Mr. Maris Sengiamphong, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, has officially announced that Thailand will launch the e-Visa service globally starting from January 1, 2025.
This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing and streamlining the Thai visa system, aimed at providing a more convenient visa application experience for foreigners worldwide (related link: New entry regulations in Thailand? ETA system to be implemented from December? Here’s what the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s China office has to say…).
The Thai e-Visa system will be available through the official website www.thaievisa.go.th, and 94 Thai embassies and consulates around the world will offer this service.
The introduction of the e-Visa will greatly facilitate foreigners wishing to enter Thailand, reducing cumbersome documentation steps and enhancing the efficiency of entry screening. The system will also be linked with databases of other institutions to ensure the security and accuracy of visa applications.
Minister Maris Sengiamphong stated that the launch of the e-Visa system is part of the Thai government's ongoing successful restructuring of the entire visa policy framework. This move aims to facilitate travelers, restore foreign tourists' confidence and image of Thailand, and reaffirm Thailand's commitment to becoming a hub for tourism, business, and international travel.
Thailand will spare no effort in enhancing efficiency and quality, whether in providing services or facilitating foreigners (related link: Tourism Authority of Thailand heavily promotes "Muay Thai soft power"! Accelerated issuance of Muay Thai visas?).
The implementation of the e-Visa system will further enhance Thailand's international competitiveness, attracting more tourists and business people to Thailand.
Additionally, the Thai Cabinet has officially approved a draft announcement submitted jointly by the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Interior, which determines the number of foreigners residing in Thailand. This decision marks a significant step forward for Thailand in attracting foreign investment and encouraging foreigners to invest and work in Thailand.
Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet has approved this draft announcement in principle, which aims to implement the provisions of the Immigration Act B.E 2522, determining the number of foreigners residing in Thailand each year. According to the draft, each country will have no more than 100 people per year who can obtain annual residency in Thailand, and stateless persons will not exceed 50 people per year.
This announcement is an annual publication, meaning it will be updated yearly to provide opportunities for foreigners planning to travel to Thailand to apply for residency.
Once foreigners obtain residency in Thailand, they will not need to reapply for temporary residency each year and will have the right to apply for Thai nationality. Additionally, children born in Thailand with at least one parent who is a Thai resident will also have the right to obtain Thai nationality based on the principle of jus soli.
Mr. Karom stated that this initiative aims to encourage foreigners to invest and work in Thailand, injecting new vitality into the Thai economy. By granting residency rights to foreigners, the Thai government hopes to build confidence for those wishing to stay comfortably and safely in Thailand, thereby attracting more investment and talent into the country.
This measure is also seen as one of a series of actions taken by the Thai government to attract investment and promote economic development.
By providing a stable residential environment for foreigners wishing to invest, the Thai government aims to build confidence, promote family stability and warmth, and thereby drive the overall prosperity and development of the country.
We look forward to Thailand achieving even greater success in the fields of tourism, business, and international travel.
